 Last week was Assistant Principal Appreciation week, and we would be remiss if we did not celebrate the hard work and dedication of our own Mrs. Ganci. In the two years Ms. Ganci has been with Pine Spring, she has worked tirelessly to ensure strong educational practices throughout Pine Spring. She goes out of her way to ensure that our community thrives in every way possible, and she does it all with a smile. Thank you, Ms. Ganci, for all you do for Pine Spring. We couldn’t do it all without you!
Hard to believe that we are already planning for next year. We ask that each family complete the attached Student Intention Form for each student in your home. This will allow us to best plan the best possible classes for the fall.
This form can either be emailed to Ms. Breeden or dropped off at the school during our school hours.
Every year, we collaborate on the best possible classes to ensure a positive and productive year for each child. These decisions are based on many factors that impact the decision-making process. We consider factors such as gender, academics, services, and personalities. One way you can help ensure the best placement for your child is to share some characteristics of a learning environment that you feel best meets your child’s needs here.
- We do not accept requests to be with/not with another child.
- We do not accept requests for specific teachers.
- You must have your response in by May 1st to ensure that it is considered during class building.
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We need all students with an FCPS computer to restart their computers this week. This restart will allow us to install important updates that will help the computers to run more smoothly. If you do not reboot the computer, the computer will automatically be restarted at the time indicated in the message. Here is what the pop-up window will look like on your computer. |
This year the autism community is formally shifting references of "Autism Awareness Month" to "Autism Acceptance Month." This month is a great reminder to encourage the value of empathy, understanding, and the differences within each of us. Autism is a complex disorder of brain development that impacts 1 in 68 people born. We will be spending the month sharing resources with our families and continue the important discussion with students regarding the value of inclusion and embracing our differences.
Did you know that more than 14,000 military-connected youth call FCPS home? Join FCPS in celebrating them during the Month of the Military Child. Wednesday, April 21, is Purple Up! Day, when all are encouraged to wear purple in recognition of the strength and sacrifices of military-connected youth. Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, a combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Navy blue.
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 Across Virginia, students will be taking Standards of Learning (SOL) tests this spring. Federal and state education departments have decided not to cancel this year’s assessments. In Fairfax County Public Schools, testing for grades 3-8 will be scheduled between April 26 and June 4, 2021. Please see above for specific SOL testing dates.
If you do not wish for your child to take the SOL tests at school this spring, you have the right to refuse testing. The Right to Refuse Assessments webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/34277) offers information and considerations as you make this decision. If you choose to refuse testing, please complete this online Google intent form no later than 3 PM on April 16th. Please contact Sydney D’Ornellas at skdornellas@fcps.edu, if you need help accessing or completing the form.
Additional information about the SOL tests can also be found on our website.
Virginia Law requires that all students entering seventh grade receive a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine prior to the beginning of school. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) and is usually given around the age of eleven.
For your child to begin 7th grade you will need to submit one of the following documents before the first day of school. It is recommended that all paperwork be submitted to the school office by July 31, 2021.
Acceptable documentation can be one of the following:
- A copy of your child’s immunization record showing the Tdap vaccine.
- A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the Tdap vaccine was given.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
- A notarized Religious Exemption Form is available online at:http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/certificate_religious_exemption.pdf
The Tdap booster is available from your child’s healthcare provider or the Fairfax County Health Department. The Health Department Clinic locations and hours are available online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/clinics or by calling 703-246-2411. Please note that students receiving immunizations at the Health Department must be accompanied by an adult and should bring their immunization records with them.
Seventh grade students will not be allowed to begin school in August 2021 without submitting proper documentation.
Daily Grab & Go meal service will be transitioning to a once-a-week pick-up. Each Monday, families will receive 7 days of breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. This change will take place on April 26th, 2021.
Due to an issue with the link, the PTA meeting was canceled last Thursday. They have rescheduled their April meeting for April 15 at 7 PM. Please join us by clicking the new link for Pine Spring PTA meetings.
Now that we can have small groups come together outside, our PTA has arranged a Pine Spring clean-up day this Saturday, April 17th from 9-12. We will use this time to plant flowers in the large planters, pick up around the school, and begin to prepare the courtyard for its makeover. Please stop by to help get Pine Spring ready for a great spring. Please feel free to bring garden tools and gloves.
*Masks must be worn at all times on school grounds.
If you are a parent of a child who will be switching classrooms/setting tomorrow, please be sure to talk with your child about it today. These transitions can be difficult, and they should know from you that they are coming before it happens.
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